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Day 3 – BC Federation of Labour Convention 2018

Tracy Prezeau, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) International Representative, gave a fresh talk outlining the renaissance of the IBEW and then drawing parallels between the IBEW and the general labour movement. Her approach to the daunting challenge of building capacity was inspiring. Hopefully members present will share her concrete solutions to reinvigorate the movement and rally non-believer union members to action.

Man-of-the-hour, Premier John Horgan, and his entourage of several dozen NDP caucus members entered the hall and slowly approached the stage to Serana Ryder’s ‘Stompa’ and a jubilant standing ovation.

The impassioned & laser-sharp speech from outgoing Secretary-Treasurer Aaron Eckerman following a micro-documentary on Eckert’s rise through the movement and his final report on the Fed’s “stellar financial position”.

Dr Kendra Strauss, Director of Labour Studies at SFU, expressing appreciation for the Fed’s work informally and on the department’s advisory committee and her announcement that SFU’s labour studies program is the now only one in BC with major, minor and certificate options and is one of only two co-op programs in Canada.

The happy inclusion in the Education Committee’s Report that nowhere in BC did racial bigots gain a majority on a school board in the most recent elections.

The appearance of Seth Klein, outgoing-President of Canadian Policy of Alternatives BC Chapter.

The Climate Change Committee’s Report that George Heyman, current BC Minster of the Environment, embraces inclusiveness and oversees an advisory council that includes labour voices – a huge change from the previous 16 years of interactions with incumbent governments.

Marissa Nahanee of the Squamish and Nisga’a Nations singing a ‘Greeting of the Day’ song composed by one of her ancestors who lived in Stanley Park that translates as ’no matter what happened yesterday, there’s opportunity today to make things better.’

Being present for the signing ceremony to renew a protocol agreement between the Federation and First Nations. Witnessed by the Indigenous Caucus and signed by the four First Nations elders present and the BC Fed Executive, the new protocol includes the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Report.